Out of Banana, one case
Banana bread substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Applesauce
½ cup applesauce for every 1 medium banana
For banana bread, the best substitutes for banana are applesauce, sweet potato puree, or pumpkin puree. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, adjusting for moisture and sweetness as needed.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- banana bread
One casethe full banana card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of banana | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applesaucebanana bread | ½ cup applesauce per 1 medium bananaYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Sweet potato pureebanana bread | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Pumpkin pureebanana bread | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Avocadobanana bread | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Greek yogurtbanana bread | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Plantainbanana bread | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Applesauce
different taste and texture
Pureed apples that provide similar sweetness and moisture. Good for most banana bread recipes.
- Best for
- banana bread, quick breads, when you want apple flavor, when you want liquid form
Applesauce is liquid, so reduce other liquid ingredients in your recipe. Use unsweetened applesauce for best results.
Sweet potato puree
different taste, similar texture
Pureed sweet potato that provides similar sweetness and texture. Good for when you want similar sweetness.
- Best for
- banana bread, quick breads, when you want sweetness, when you want nutrition
Sweet potato has a different flavor than banana but provides similar sweetness and can be used in many applications.
Pumpkin puree
different taste, similar texture
Pureed pumpkin that provides similar moisture content and texture. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- banana bread, quick breads, when you want orange color, when you want similar texture
Pumpkin puree has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and moisture. Adds orange color to baked goods.
Avocado
different taste, similar texture
Creamy fruit that provides similar binding properties and texture. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- banana bread, quick breads, when you want healthy fats, when you want similar texture
Avocado has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and binding properties. Adds healthy fats to baked goods.
Greek yogurt
different taste, similar texture
Creamy dairy product that provides similar texture and tangy flavor. Good for when you want tangy flavor.
- Best for
- banana bread, quick breads, when you want protein, when you want tangy flavor
Greek yogurt has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and binding properties. Adds protein to baked goods.
Plantain
different taste, similar texture
Starchy fruit that provides similar texture and cooking properties. Good for when you want similar texture.
- Best for
- banana bread, quick breads, when you want starchiness, when you want similar texture
Plantain has a different flavor than banana but provides similar texture and is excellent for baking.
How it behaves in this recipe
When making banana bread, bananas serve specific functions that require careful consideration. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality to bananas in banana bread applications, ensuring the right moisture, sweetness, and texture.
Tips for substituting banana
8 tips- Bananas are essential for banana bread as they provide natural sweetness, moisture, and binding properties
- Overripe bananas are good for banana bread as they provide more sweetness and moisture
- Bananas can be frozen and used later for banana bread - just thaw before using
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them with lemon juice or vinegar before freezing
- For best results, mash bananas well before using in banana bread recipes
- Bananas can help reduce the need for added sugar and fat in banana bread
- They work particularly well in quick breads and dense cakes
- Bananas can make banana bread more dense, so expect a different texture
Notes on banana
- Commercial banana substitutes are available for specific dietary needs
- Homemade banana puree can be made by blending ripe bananas
- Some banana bread recipes can be adapted to use other fruits entirely
- Commercial fruit purees are available for specific applications
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for banana in banana bread?
For banana bread, you can use applesauce, sweet potato puree, pumpkin puree, or avocado as substitutes for banana. Each provides similar moisture and binding properties.
Can I use applesauce instead of banana in banana bread?
Yes, applesauce can substitute for bananas in banana bread. Use about ½ cup applesauce per medium banana, and reduce other liquid ingredients.
What's the best substitute for banana in banana bread?
For banana bread, applesauce, sweet potato puree, or pumpkin puree work well as substitutes for banana. Each provides similar moisture and binding properties.
Can I use sweet potato instead of banana in banana bread?
Yes, sweet potato can substitute for bananas in banana bread. It has a different flavor but provides similar sweetness and texture when cooked.
Why are bananas important in banana bread?
Bananas are important in banana bread because they provide natural sweetness, moisture, and binding properties. They also add flavor and can help reduce the need for added sugar and fat.